BA Archaeology and Anthropology

In today's fast-changing and globalising world, an ability to understand the diversity of human behaviour and experience across space and time is extremely valuable. Our BA Archaeology and Anthropology course offers an exciting, interdisciplinary perspective on what it means to be human, employing archaeology and social, biological and linguistic anthropology to address key challenges past and present. These include migration and mobility, sustainable heritage and development, and technological change and social inequalities.

Our course provides students with practical and professional skills designed to enhance employability through activities such as the analysis of big data on contemporary population health; biomolecular investigation of archaeological finds; and the presentation of cultural heritage to the public.

Year one introduces the fundamental theories of the two disciplines. You will take units that introduce you to the disciplines of archaeology and material culture studies as well as social, linguistic and biological anthropology.

Years two and three allow greater specialisation in skills, regional foci and current debates. You will become familiar with the range of research methods and theoretical frameworks employed and the sorts of questions archaeologists and anthropologists ask.

A wide variety of optional units exploring particular themes, periods and geographical areas is available at second- and third-year level.

The third year provides an opportunity to pursue a specialist area of interest working closely with a member of staff to write a dissertation on an original topic of your choice. There is a work placement option with an external partner such as a museum, commercial archaeological unit or national heritage organisation.